Veuve Clicquot

Veuve Clicquot Polo Match

A bit of a delay in getting around to posting these photos…but a fabulous Manhattan summer event nonetheless. Already looking forward to next year!

Hat: Vineyard Vines, Dress: J.Crew

(Click on any of the photos to enlarge them and start a slide show)

 

Hat: Vineyard Vines, Dress: J.Crew, Champagne: Veuve Clicquot
Lovely Rachel taking in the sights
Hat: Vineyard Vines, Dress: J.Crew
Take it away, Nacho
Skirmish at the sidelines
Hilario Figueras
Threatening skies over Lady Liberty
Ominous clouds
Ceremonial divot-stomping
Spotted: aftermath
Trophy presentation
Trophy presentation
Photobooth windstorm!

Kentucky Derby Party – Part I

After a brief hiatus from the blog, I’ve returned to bring you all the juicy details from this weekend’s Kentucky Derby Party. This post will focus on fashion and images from the party, and in a second post, I’ll provide all the recipes and party tips.

The first Saturday in May brings with it one of the most venerated moments in sports history – the Kentucky Derby.  A member of the esteemed Triple Crown of horse racing (a trifecta completed by the Preakness and Belmont), this race has pomp, circumstance, and tradition for all to enjoy.

This year, I decided to embrace Southern charm and Southern cooking and host a party befitting the race.

First, the hat. Before even sending the invitations, I knew that finding the hat was essential. Luckily, within mere minutes browsing through Etsy, I found a the perfect designer, Eye Heart Me. I fell in love with her creations, and ultimately settled on an ivory and black fascinator that would not only go with any dress I chose to wear, but could be worn for other events in the future. When it arrived in the mail, I was not disappointed. Carefully wrapped and even more beautiful than the photos, the precision and detail of this artisan were clear. It was also very comfortable and easy to wear on the day of the party, and, despite all my hostessing shenanigans, it stayed perfectly in place all day.

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Eye Heart Me fascinator (side view)

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Eye Heart Me fascinator (front view)

 

Mint Juleps, cheddar grits, fried chicken, pimento cheese sandwiches, and sweet tea rounded out the day:

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First guest = first mint julep taste tester. Results = success!

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Cake Topper charges to the finish line!

 

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The take-home treat – a classic blondie (my go-to recipe), wrapped and monogrammed

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Perfection. Charles’ Pan-Fried Chicken. Only in Harlem, NYC.

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Feta and Watermelon Bites

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Be-hatted and be-dazzled

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Mint juleps and mini cheddar grits. Are you hungry yet?

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Classic Southern – Laurie Osteen’s Coconut Cake

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Run, baby, run!

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And a little bubbly to finish things off

 

Get the full menu and recipes here.

xoxo.

Lights, Camera, Oscar Party Menu

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Even though I’m not having my usual Oscar soiree this year, I thought it would be fun to dream up a quick dinner menu for tonight’s festivities.

This super-easy menu will leave plenty of time for critiquing all the looks on the red carpet:

Oscar menu 2014

I’ve purposefully left the amounts relatively adjustable, so you can use this menu regardless of your party size.

First, pour a glass of champagne. Now you can start cooking.

Make the feta drizzle: 1/2 cup feta cheese, 2T fat free plain Greek yogurt, drizzle of olive oil, salt, pepper, and 2 tsp fresh dill. (Add a tablespoon or two of water if it isn’t loose enough, but remember that the cheese will melt a little when its warm). Blend in a food processor until creamy, then transfer to a small saucepan to warm on low, low heat. 

Set out the dipping oil (olive oil, salt, pepper, dried basil, parmesan cheese – mixed gently) and sliced baguette.

Plate the arugula.

Sear the steak (depending on thickness/preference): Rub room temp steak with salt & pepper & olive oil. Heat your pan for about 4 minutes. Place the steak in the hot pan and let it cook undisturbed about 3 to 4 minutes. Flip and cook 3 to 4 minutes more. Transfer steak to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Plate the steak on the arugula; drizzle with warm feta sauce.

Pour another glass of champagne.

Cheers! Enjoy the Oscars!

xoxo,
Mimzy